Channel Manager Using Visible Light Communication Narrowcast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed data services, such as those using Fiber To The Home (FTTH) networks and Radio Fiber over Glass (RFoG) deployments, face challenges in managing bandwidth efficiently, particularly when multiple users share the available spectrum, leading to reduced quality of service due to limitations in coaxial cable and Wi-Fi technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a channel manager that splits downstream multiplexed signals into multiple channels, converts them to a similar frequency range, and sends selected channels via visible light communication access points, allowing for dedicated bandwidth allocation to subscriber devices using narrowcast technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple users share the available bandwidth in FTTH and RFoG networks, then the network infrastructure can be simplified, but the quality of service for each user deteriorates due to reduced available bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available bandwidth by assigning dedicated spectral channels to specific users or services. The downstream multiplexed signal is divided into multiple channels, and selected channels are sent via narrowcast to visible light communication access points, providing dedicated bandwidth allocation that ensures quality of service while maintaining network simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visible light communication access points as intermediaries between the traditional cable network and subscriber devices. These access points receive narrowcast signals and transmit them via visible light communication, enabling dedicated bandwidth allocation without requiring complex changes to the underlying cable infrastructure
2Ease of manufacture
If coaxial cable infrastructure is used to connect devices at subscriber premises, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but the ability to upgrade to full available spectrum is limited due to shared DS and US signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum into dedicated channels for narrowcast services, allowing the system to utilize the full available spectrum of DOCSIS 3.1 without being constrained by shared DS and US signals. This enables bandwidth upgrade capability while maintaining compatibility with existing coaxial cable infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional shared coaxial cable communication mechanism with visible light communication for the last mile connection. This substitution eliminates the shared signal constraint and enables dedicated bandwidth allocation, while the coaxial cable infrastructure continues to serve as the backbone for signal delivery to the access points
3Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi gateway is used to connect devices, then mobility can be provided, but signal attenuation and gateway location limitations reduce available bandwidth for devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible light communication access points as intermediaries that receive dedicated narrowcast signals and transmit them via visible light communication to subscriber devices. This eliminates the need for Wi-Fi gateways and their associated signal attenuation and location constraints, providing stable dedicated bandwidth while maintaining ease of connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces Wi-Fi wireless communication with visible light communication for the last mile connection. This substitution eliminates signal attenuation and gateway location limitations by using optical communication directly to the devices, while maintaining the mobility and ease of connection advantages
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient management of bandwidth, ensuring high-speed data services by providing dedicated bandwidth to each subscriber, overcoming limitations of coaxial cables and Wi-Fi, and enhancing service quality without interfering with existing connections.
Implementation Method 1
Channels in the set of channels are sent via narrowcast to a set of visible light communication access points using the similar frequency range, wherein a respective set of subscriber devices receive a channel in the set of channels via visible light communication from respective visible light communication access points
Data Source
AI summary
Particular embodiments use the segmented bandwidth in downstream channels and upstream channels to manage a narrowcast service for subscribers. Particular embodiments include a channel manager that can process the signal from the headend to down-convert and filter narrowcast services that are sent in one or more of the downstream channels. Also, in the upstream direction, the channel manager can up-convert and stack narrowcast signals for sending to the headend. Further, in one embodiment, the narrowcast service may be provided using visible light communication (e.g., Li-Fi). Using visible light communication may overcome the last connection restrictions described in the background, such as end to end optical connections may be used. Further, using visible light communication may not interfere with other Wi-Fi links in the subscriber premises, such as existing MoCA connections, and may actually enhance the service at the subscriber premises.